They know that their success, to a large part, depends upon surrounding themselves with people who commit to their vision. Without a great quarterback, the running back can’t get the touchdowns. Without great advisors, the president’s policies will fail. Without backup singers, the musician’s music won’t sound as sweet.

Hailey’s Leadership Lesson #4 is to surround yourself with people that commit to your vision. Why is this important? There are several reasons.

First, no person is an island. In order to accomplish what you want to accomplish, you need help. Surrounding yourself with individuals who are committed to your vision will guarantee that you get the help you need to make your vision a reality.

Second, surrounding yourself with people that commit to your vision guarantees that you conserve energy for appropriate tasks. When you surround yourself with individuals who aren’t committed to your vision, energy is spent unnecessarily. Faced with cynics, leaders spend a lot of time convincing others of the value of the vision. When that happens, time and energy are detracted from making the vision a reality.

Third, when you put together a team committed to a shared vision, it is easier to attract the right people to your organization. When the vision is clear and shared by all, it is apparent to potential employees. When the vision is clear and shared by all, individuals who interview potential employees understand who will fit and who won’t fit.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to surround yourself with people that commit to your vision is because a shared vision creates synergy. Researchers who study emotions have know that emotions are contagious. In other words, if someone around you is displaying negative emotions, you are likely to catch some of those negative emotions. It’s kind of like a virus – a little exposure might not affect you – but prolonged exposure will! When people don’t commit to your vision, their negativity will contaminate you and others. As hard as it may be to say goodbye to those who can’t support your vision, it is essential for success rid yourself of that negative energy.

The good news is that positive emotions are also infectious. When you surround yourself with people who are committed and positive about the vision, that positive energy is shared. Gloomy Gus’s will bring you down. But excited team-players will buoy you up every step of the way.

Surrounding yourself with people who commit to your vision makes sense. When you surround yourself with people who are committed to your vision, you possess more than just their hands, you also possess their hearts.